rubbish

UK: /ˈrʌbɪʃ/ US: /ˈrʌbɪʃ/ ,(rub′ish)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

rub•bish /ˈrʌbɪʃ/   n. [uncountable]

1. worthless material that is thrown out;
   trash:
   piles of rubbish.
2. nonsense, as in writing or art:
   sentimental rubbish.

rub•bish•y, adj. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

rub•bish  (rub′ish), n. 

1. worthless, unwanted material that is rejected or thrown out;
   debris;
   litter;
   trash.
2. nonsense, as in writing or art:
   sentimental rubbish.

• ?; compare rubble
• Middle English rubbes, rob(b)ous 1350–1400

Synonyms

• 2. rot, balderdash, drivel, bosh.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

rubbish / ˈrʌbɪʃ/ noun

1. worthless, useless, or unwanted matter
2. discarded or waste matter; refuse
3. foolish words or speech; nonsense

verb

1. (transitive) to criticize; attack verbally

adjective

1. worthless or useless

Etymology: 14th Century robys, of uncertain origin